Joseph B. Wirthlin wrote:
Another reason many prayers have little power is that they lack faith. We approach our Heavenly like a child who asks something of his or her parents, knowing they will refuse. Without faith, our prayers are merely words. With faith our prayers connect with the powers of heaven and can bring upon us increased understanding, hope, and power. If by faith the worlds were created, then by faith we can create and receive the righteous desires of our hearts.
What is faith? Faith is absolute confidence in that which is in absolute conformity to will the of heaven. When we combine that confidence with absolute action on our part, we have faith.
Faith without works is dead. Sometimes we expect Heavenly Father to answer our prayers when all we have done is utter a prayer. The doors of heaven will ever be closed to those who hold out their hands, waiting for blessing to drop from heaven upon them..
The powers of faith are activated by action. We must do our part. We must do all that is in our power, and we will be blessed in our efforts.
Prayer is a private matter between you and Heavenly Father. Both He and you know when you have done what you can. Do not give a thought as to whether or not your best compares with others. In the eyes of Heavenly Father that doesn’t matter. ~Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, A Year of Powerful Prayer (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2013). 121 (day 109)
